The Harry Potter books are, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most influential forms of literature in the modern era.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is making her screenwriting debut for a spin-off film based on a minor character in her stories about the teenage wizard.

Rain and hail gave young starlet Emma Watson a soaking but failed to dampen fans' spirits at the hotly anticipated world premier of the new Harry Potter film last night.

Harry Potter's train the Hogwarts express has been destroyed by teenage vandals who caused €144,000 of damage to the British vehicle.